10TH ANNUAL AKRON FIREFIGHTER'S CHILI CHALLENGE AT LOCK 3

Akron, Ohio (January 12, 2016) – The City of Akron is sponsoring the 10th annual Firefighter’s Chili Challenge, on Friday, January 15, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (or until the chili runs out) at Lock 3 on South Main Street in downtown Akron.

Akron firefighters have once again challenged others to see who can prepare the best chili for Downtown employees and chili enthusiasts. The famous firehouse chili-makers will challenge other chili cooking experts with all proceeds benefiting Akron Children’s Hospital’s Burn Unit.

Ten dollars buys chili-enthusiasts six servings of chili and a beverage. Beer, soft drinks, water, and coffee will be available. Additional chili samples can be purchased for $1.50.

A panel of celebrity judges will decide the best chili entry; while all entries will compete for bragging rights by being named the 2016 “Peoples’ Choice” award winner. For the past two second consecutive years the Akron Fire Department has won in both categories.

Challengers also have an opportunity to compete for the Joe Smith Spirit Award. The Joe Smith Spirit Award was created in honor of Detective Joe Smith, who passed away in 2014. Since the Chili Challenge’s inception, Detective Smith was a very active participant. The Akron Police Department was the inaugural winner.

This year’s contestants include the Akron Fire Department, Akron Police Department, ARCADIS, City of Akron Personnel Department, Cleveland Clinic/Akron General and Hattie Larlham.